Plans to transform the historic post office in Hertford into a drinking venue have been scrapped.

Developer 4 Street Limited submitted two applications to East Herts District Council (EHDC) in November to redevelop the building but withdrew them both on Thursday, December 21, 2017.

The first, received by the council on November 3, was a change of use application to turn the ground floor of the Grade II listed old Post Office on Fore Street into a drinking establishment, although the plans did not specify whether this meant a pub, bar or club.

Then on November 16, 4 Street Limited submitted a second application for alterations inside the building – in order to transform it into the drinking establishment.

This included repainting, soundproofing, creating an opening in a dividing wall, reinstatement of original entrance from Fore Street and double doors to rear to provide a fire exit.

Hertford Town Council had no objections to the plans and the proposals were found to be in keeping with the building’s Grade II listed status.

Plans to turn the building into a drinking establishment have been withdrawn

Minor amendments to the plans were then requested by EHDC’s conservation and urban design internal consultation on December 8.

The report stated: “As part of this application, we would also expect the removal of the ugly canopy on the Post Office Walk elevation, and the removal of the old unsightly projecting signage from principal elevation.”

When the Mercury reported on the plans to transform the old Post Office, councillors were supportive of the plans.

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Councillor Jan Goodeve, who represents the Castle Ward which Fore Street falls under, said: “I am pleased to hear there are plans to bring this building back into use.

“If permission is granted the market will determine whether or not it is economically viable, I’m all in favour of consumer choice.”

And she was not the only one, with Councillor Jane Sartin adding: “I'm not opposed to the old Post Office building becoming a drinking establishment.

"It's not a building that's going to be well suited to a shop and, so long as its historic features are maintained, it will be good to get it back into use again.

The post office on Fore Street, Hertford shut in 2015

“When the Post Office moved to Maidenhead Street it took over premises that had been empty for a decade, but had been a McDonald's, so overall the change doesn't increase the number of units being used for food and drink.

“There have been a number of new shops opening in Hertford in recent weeks, including two on the same stretch of road as the old Post Office, and a new gift shop is opening directly opposite very soon.”